Hockey: Grange double sees them qualify for Europe and reach cup final

Grange got off to the best of starts against Inverleith with Gary Cameron lashing the ball into the roof of the net off the pads of keeper Graham Stuart. Inverleith soon retaliated and the Grange defence failed to clear their lines, allowing Phil Hall to equalise.

Grange missed several chances to take the lead again before they finally got their noses in front at a penalty corner, Cameron’s shot from the top of the circle being deflected high into the net by Cammie Fraser.

Inverleith were back in the game five minutes after the break when Tom Cousins volleyed past Colin Johnstone. Grange then turned the screw, but missed several chances including five penalty corners. Just when a penalty shoot-out looked likely, a cross from Fraser was brilliantly deflected into the net by Phil Sully for the winner.

In the other tie against Western Wildcats, Kelburne pressed for most of the first half and should have taken the lead in 30 minutes but Chris Nelson’s spot effort was saved. But, just on the interval, the Paisley side took the lead when Willie Marshall’s shot was blocked and Michael Christie netted the rebound.

The Wildcats had a chance to equalise but Scott McCartney shot wide from the spot and they were promptly punished when Christie again, Alan Forsyth and Lee Morton gave Kelburne a comfortable four goal victory.

On Saturday, Grange finally sealed second spot in the Subway national league. In winning 3-1 win against Glynhill Kelburne, they also ended the Paisley side’s 100 per cent record.

Grange were definitely up for it, and in only five minutes Cammie Fraser put the Edinburgh side ahead. Fraser almost made it two minutes later, but his effort came back off the post.

Grange’s Matt Connor enjoyed little luck as one shot hit the bar while his next effort rebounded off both posts before Grange finally went two up with a penalty corner drag flick from captain Rob Barr.

Kelburne retaliated with a series of attacks, but no goals until Alan Forsyth forced the ball over the line after a scramble in front of the Grange goal.

The champions pressed for the equaliser but the Edinburgh defence stood firm. Grange were still dangerous on the break, and with five minutes left Fraser found himself in space and fired past Mark Fulton.

CALA Edinburgh were consigned to the relegation play-off spot, losing 7-2 at home to Greaves Clydesdale.

It was also a good weekend for Grove Menzieshill, the Taysiders securing their sixth consecutive women’s league title with a 6-0 win over Kelburne.

In the cup, Grove were taken to a penalty shoot-out by Milne Craig Western after a 2-2 draw in normal time. Catriona Ralph missed from the spot for Western while Leigh Fawcett found the net to put the Taysiders into the final.

In the other semi, VWS Dundee Wanderers made it an all-Tayside final after defeating CALA Edinburgh 5-1.